Hitting the UFC punching bag helps prepare mixed-martial arts fighters for serious competition, and can also be a great workout for non-fighters. Not only does it help develop punching and kicking power, it provides an excellent cardiovascular workout which in…
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An elliptical trainer is a cardiovascular exercise machine that mimics the action of running, yet does not require the foot to strike the ground with every step. In its most basic form, an elliptical machine has two moving platforms you…
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The Ab Roller is designed to give all your abdominal muscles a complete workout. The Ab Roller features a patented “Arcuate Rocker System” that provides support to your head and neck during exercise. It also helps guide your spine during…
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Working the internal organs and muscles delivers self-healing benefits. Positing the body in certain postures and regulating the breath will clear the system, allowing for fresh blood, oxygen and energy to restore balance within the body system. Effort is put…
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Having a tight butt will not only help you look good in pants, it will strengthen your legs as well. Your balance will improve and your chances of falling will decrease. You do not need any expensive equipment to do…
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Making exercise a part of your healthy lifestyle means not just scheduling the time to exercise, but finding a place to work out. Not every house or apartment has a lot of room for large, bulky exercise equipment; however, even…
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The arm, chest and back muscles, along with the shoulders, make up the majority of our upper-body muscle mass and are important for how our bodies look and function. For men and women, having well-developed upper body muscles can enhance…
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According to Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding,” the bench press is the single most important exercise for building the chest. If you want to build an impressive, chiseled chest — just like creating a marble sculpture…
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Your arms are the one part of your body commonly on display, so it is important that they be toned and lean. Working out your arms at the gym requires only a few basic moves. This workout should be treated…
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Overview Toning the abs takes not only physical effort, but concentration and focus. If you do not have the mental strength, then you are likely going to fall off the wagon and revert back to bad habits that caused your…
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The muscles of the middle and lower back are often overlooked when it comes to strength training, but it is important to keep them strong and toned. The middle and lower muscles of the back form part of the “core”…
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It’s hard not to be intrigued when looking at the equipment in a Pilates fitness studio. These complicated contraptions are designed to work every muscle in the body, including some that you didn’t know you had. While each Pilates machines…
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Firmer, larger, lifted breasts–many women want them, but not everyone can afford expensive cosmetic surgery, nor do they want the invasive surgery or side effects. The good news is that strength training can offer many of the same benefits as…
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Posture can be defined as the body’s ability to hold itself in good alignment. The positions we adopt in our daily lives affect posture. For example, if you spend your days slouched in a chair, your body will adapt to…
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Overview Stability balls are a fantastic way to engage your core during a workout. The ball provides instability, and requires constant activation of your core muscles to keep you balanced while you work out. You can also use the stability…
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The practice of yoga naturally increases core strength and tones the abdominal muscles. Practice daily and you will find that the abdomen is stronger and tighter, and the core is better able to support the body in challenging poses. However,…
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Overview To achieve the highly coveted hourglass figure, there are certain areas of the body that you need to focus your attention on. The midsection is one such section. Developing curves in the midsection takes the right mix of exercises….
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Overview Bicycle chains are integral to the operation of your bike; they help transfer the energy from your pedaling into the turning of wheels. There are times when you’ll need to remove the chain from the bicycle: for cleaning, for…
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The key ingredient to a tennis player’s game is a great pair of tennis shoes. Having the right fit and grip on the court surface will help improve your footwork, provide traction offering the right cushion for all the pounding…
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Overview While your cycling shoes are made to withstand any type of weather you subject them to, it can be an unpleasant to put wet shoes back onto your feet the next day. Rain, sleet and mud puddles all contribute…
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The muscles of the waist are called the internal and external oblique muscles. They are part of the group that make up the abdominal muscles. You can work these muscles two ways. One is lateral flexing your spine, which means…
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Overview Soccer is a fast-paced and physically demanding game that requires a great deal of energy. It is important for a soccer player to consume a good nutritional diet; the food you consume will have a direct impact on your…
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Overview Resistance bands are made of durable rubber and come in various strengths that are coordinated with a particular color. They are a welcome addition to a regular workout routine and can be conveniently rolled up and taken on location…
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Welcome to LIVESTRONG.COM, your daily destination for health and fitness information on the Web. Here, you will find information and tools to help you take action, and a community to support you along the way. That said, if you came…
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If you’re looking into new ways to get your cardiovascular exercise, there are few alternatives that offer as much variety as Zumba Fitness. Zumba is a dance-based workout featuring world music and rhythmic Latin moves. Zumba also combines traditional exercise…
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The inner thighs are known as the “adductors.” This name derives from the action that they produce called “adduction.” Abduction is a motion that involves a movement toward your body. If you want to lose fat in this area, be…
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Overview Shin guards aren’t a luxury in soccer–they are a necessity. These pads are bound to get odorous as sweat is poured into them, but they also protect your shin bones while you play. The shins are the most commonly…
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Overview The push-up is an effective and efficient upper-body exercise, and the United States Armed Forces uses it as both an assessment tool and a training aid. While there are countless variations of the push-up, the military still relies on…
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Overview The arms are just as vulnerable to weight gain as any other body part. You need to focus on muscle building exercises and overall weight loss to help slim them down. Being that spot reduction is not possible, weight…
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Overview Getting in excellent cardiovascular condition for basketball is a must. If you are playing high school or college basketball, you are on the move throughout games and practice and if you don’t commit to being in superior condition, you…
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